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Board reviews athletic-trainer coverage and uniform replacement costs amid safety concerns
Summary
Staff told the board that NHIAA requires licensed medical personnel at practices and contests; contracting out athletic trainers could cost about $100,000 annually while earlier in-house coverage was much less. The board also reviewed an athletic uniform replacement rotation and related equipment costs.
District staff updated the board on athletic safety coverage and planned uniform replacements for school sports.
Staff reviewed an NHIAA handbook excerpt that lists acceptable medical coverage for high-school practices and contests, which includes athletic trainers, certified sports therapists, EMTs, nurses, physician assistants and physicians. The board heard that outsourcing the athletic-trainer function could be costly: one vendor quoted roughly $100,000 annually to provide trainer services, compared with prior contractual levels that were much lower (staff cited a pre-COVID contracted amount around $37,000 as a historical comparator).
Nut graf: The district must balance safety coverage, vendor availability and cost. Staff said training and coverage strategies currently rely on a mix of in-house nursing staff, coach training (CPR, concussion protocols) and occasional contracted trainers for high-risk events; the vendor model could not cover simultaneous events and would not place a trainer at every practice or game.
Staff said athletic uniforms are being replaced on a scheduled rotation agreed with the vendor that works with booster clubs; typical replacements under the plan include jerseys and pants, with more durable gear for contact sports. Individual team kit costs vary; staff noted that helmets and protective equipment are handled under a separate equipment line and must be replaced or refurbished according to safety guidance (helmets have manufacturer service limits and may require replacement after a service life).
Board members pressed on coverage in concurrent events (for example, a basketball and a hockey game at the same time) and on response times for serious incidents. Staff described the common local practice of home teams coordinating coverage and borrowing athletic trainers when possible; they reiterated that emergency services (EMS) would be called when needed and that for particularly risky events districts typically seek contracted coverage.
Ending: Staff will continue vendor outreach and return with more detailed cost options for full or partial contracted athletic-trainer coverage and an updated equipment/replacement schedule for uniforms and protective gear.
